Diversifying village economies will build long-term prosperity – Min Rodrigues

– urges indigenous villages to embrace tourism, entrepreneurship

The Government is encouraging Indigenous communities to embrace tourism and entrepreneurship as major drivers of economic growth, with expanded support available through the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry to assist villages in creating jobs, generating wealth, and preserving their cultural heritage.
Speaking to village leaders at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference 2026 being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, subject Minister Susan Rodrigues said diversifying village economies will strengthen long-term prosperity while reducing dependence on traditional industries.
“You have heard a lot over the last three days about ways in which you can expand economic activities in your village communities and, by that, engineer wealth creation and job creation. Today, we will focus on the diversification of village economies. The main message I want to leave with you is that diversification of village economies will create greater prosperity,” she stated.
The Minister urged village leaders to consider tourism and small business development as practical opportunities for expanding their local economies.
She explained that communities with tourism potential can receive support from the Guyana Tourism Authority through product assessments, guide training, hospitality programmes, and marketing initiatives.
Rodrigues noted that Guyana’s Indigenous culture remains one of the country’s greatest tourism assets, attracting travellers seeking authentic experiences while creating opportunities for communities to preserve their traditions.
“Your culture is your greatest asset. Our Indigenous culture is one of Guyana’s greatest assets, and tourism is a vehicle through which we can preserve your culture, preserve your traditions, preserve your way of life, and educate the world about it,” she said.
Over the past six years, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has worked with between six and nine Indigenous communities, directly benefiting 6944 persons through training programmes while developing 18 tourism products.
The Minister also outlined the work of the Small Business Bureau, which has invested in entrepreneurship through grants, loans, training, and community development projects.
Since 2020, the bureau has supported 4068 beneficiaries across 92 Indigenous communities and implemented 39 community development projects, backed by a $441 million investment that included the establishment of the Lethem Incubator Centre.
The Minister added that the Government is further expanding access to financing through the soon-to-be-established Guyana Development Bank, which will provide interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to $3 million for viable business ventures.
“I want to urge you to start thinking about your different business ideas and to start putting together your proposals because this bank is coming, and it’s almost here. The technicians will work with you to prepare your business plans and structure your businesses so they can be successful, repay the loan, and continue to grow,” the Minister told the village leaders.
The Minister also outlined the Ministry’s ongoing work to develop tourism circuits, linking nearby communities into visitor itineraries that allow travellers to experience multiple destinations while increasing economic opportunities across villages.
Minister Rodrigues pointed to the recent success of Toka Village, which captured the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Community-Based Tourism Award, as evidence of the international recognition that community-led tourism can achieve.
She said the Ministry will continue working with Indigenous communities to assess tourism opportunities, strengthen local enterprises, and support the development of sustainable village economies through inclusive partnerships.